Overview
This is a wonderful, heavy cast-iron miniature kitchen set featuring a gas range stove marked 'EAGLE' and a matching 'ALASKA' icebox refrigerator. Both pieces feature their original cream-colored paint with blue and gold accents, complete with a June 1, 1926 patent date stamped on the underside.
Story
In 1926, these heavy cast-iron miniatures were the ultimate dream toys for children mimicking the modernizing households of the Roaring Twenties. They captured a massive cultural shift as homes transitioned from old wood-burning hearths to clean gas ranges and insulated iceboxes.
Maker / Origin
The Kenton Hardware Company of Ohio was one of the premier American manufacturers of cast-iron toys from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Known for their incredible durability and realistic details, Kenton's miniatures were designed to look exactly like the full-sized appliances of the era, often partnering with real appliance brands for cross-promotion.
Condition & Value
The set shows moderate play wear, paint loss, and surface rust on the interior shelves of the refrigerator, which is very common for cast iron of this age. All doors and hinges appear intact and functional; no major cracks or missing legs are visible. Original paint remains largely intact, which preserves its value.